Yearly Archives: 2010



Just returned from a fortnight in Australia in which I slept in nine different beds in eleven days – makes me sound a bit like a rock star… Fitted in time in the Hunter, Clare & Barossa Valleys and Tasmania, home of vast number of dead kangaroos and possums (or […]

The best Chardonnay in the southern hemisphere?


This post is dedicated to the memory of Julian Brind MW, who died on December 19th. A great sherry enthusiast and a man largely responsible for the pre-eminence of Waitrose in the UK supermarket wine world, he was also a thoroughly nice man with an ever-present twinkle in his eye. […]

Sherry from Waitrose & The Wine Society



Tenutae Lageder Beta Delta Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio 2008, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Italy (£14.50 Bibendum) Clean, clear and fresh, one of those wines that is as much about texture as flavour. So the pithy citrus, guava and underripe mango flavours are underpinned by a pleasing creamy nuttiness. Not showy but very […]

Chardonnays from Italy, France, Australia & South Africa


The sun’s just come out in Adelaide and I’m readying myself for a day of jollity in the Barossa Valley. Got myself into the zone last night with one of the best young Australian reds I’ve ever had. I was with about 15 others in Goodlife Pizza on Hutt Street, […]

Torbreck Natural Wine Project


Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley, California (£19.99 Majestic – in most stores) Quite exotic, with sweet roasted ripe plummy berry fruit, a hint of black olive, and oak a touch toast but nicely in balance, clean, fresh style, scores by not aiming to caress rather than impress (unlike […]

Mondavi or Mondavi – who’s top dog for Napa Cab?